Daily Current Affairs Quiz 18th July 2026 for Banking &; Competitive Exams |

Daily Current Affairs: 18 July, 2026

Q1. Commercial air connectivity made its historic debut in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu in July, 2026. What is the official name of this newly operational airport in Daman?

(a) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport

(b) NAMO Airport

(d) Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Regional Airport

(e) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport

Answer: b

Solution:

In a landmark development for the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Administrator Shri Praful Patel flagged off the inaugural Daman–Delhi–Daman flight from the newly operational NAMO Airport, Daman on 16 July 2026.
The flight service has been launched by Alliance Air, making it Daman’s first-ever direct air connection.
The launch marks a major boost to regional connectivity, tourism, trade, and economic development in the Union Territory.
NAMO Airport, Daman is a dual-purpose airport operating from the Indian Coast Guard Air Station (ICGAS), Daman.
The foundation stone for the civil terminal was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 April 2023.
The airport was subsequently inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 5 June 2026.
The airport has been developed by the UT Administration at a cost of ₹124 crore, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation providing reimbursement support of ₹88 crore.

Q2. The “VISHWAS, 2026” one-time dispute resolution initiative has been launched by which statutory body to reduce legal gridlocks and promote employer compliance?

(a) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

(b) Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

(d) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

(e) Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR)

Answer: c

Solution:

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, has launched “VISHWAS, 2026”, a one-time dispute resolution initiative for the amicable settlement of disputes related to the levy of damages/penalty under Section 14B of the EPF & MP Act, 1952 and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
The Scheme was notified through G.S.R. 525(E) dated 29 June 2026 as part of the EPF Scheme, 2026 and came into force on 29 June 2026.
The scheme will remain operational for six months from the date of notification.
VISHWAS, 2026 aims to promote voluntary compliance, reduce litigation, and facilitate the speedy resolution of long-pending disputes while safeguarding the interests of employees.
The scheme provides employers with an opportunity to settle eligible cases through a transparent, fully digital, and time-bound process.

Categories of Cases Covered

Cases where orders for damages/penalty are under challenge before a judicial forum.
Final damages/penalty orders where recovery is pending or only partially completed, including Recovery Certificate (RRC) cases.
Cases where notices have been issued but final orders imposing damages/penalty have not yet been passed.
Cases where notices for damages/penalty have not yet been issued.

Reduced Rates under VISHWAS, 2026

For defaults occurring before 14 June 2024, damages/penalty will be recalculated at concessional rates:

Period of Default	Reduced Rate
Up to 2 months	0.25% per month
More than 2 months but less than 4 months	0.50% per month
More than 4 months	1.00% per month

These reduced rates are intended to encourage employers to resolve disputes quickly and improve compliance.

Eligibility Conditions

Employers must fully deposit the applicable interest under Section 7Q of the EPF & MP Act, 1952 or Section 127 of the Code on Social Security, 2020 before applying.
Applicants must provide an undertaking that they will not pursue any further appeal regarding the dispute settled under the scheme.

Cases Excluded from the Scheme

Cases where damages/penalty have already been fully recovered.
Cases involving fraud, misappropriation, or deliberate falsification of records.
Cases where the applicable statutory interest has not been fully deposited.

Q3. In July 2026, the Government of India announced the appointment of an internationally renowned oceanographer as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Who has been appointed to this post?

(a) Dr. M. Ravichandran

(b) Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala

(d) Dr. Shailesh Nayak

(e) Shri S. Somanath

Answer: b

Solution:

In a major development for India’s earth sciences, meteorological, and oceanographic sectors, the Government of India has appointed Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala as the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala is an internationally renowned oceanographer, scientific administrator, and earth system scientist with extensive experience in ocean sciences, climate services, and marine research.
He has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s capabilities in ocean observations, marine forecasting, tsunami early warning systems, climate services, and ocean technology applications.

Q4. The Government of India has approved the guidelines for the “PARIVARTAN” scheme to modernise heavy transit in the NCR. What does the acronym PARIVARTAN stand for?

(a) Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions

(b) Project for Advanced Replacement and Infrastructure Validation of Automotive Assets for Regional Transit and New Emissions

(c) Promotion of Accelerated Renewal and Innovation in Vehicular Assets for Reducing Toxic Air Pollution and National Emissions

(d) Programme for Alternative Refuelling and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Regional Transport and Net-zero Emissions

(e) Policy for Accelerated Replacement and Infrastructure Development of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Total Air Pollution and Network Emissions

Answer: a

Solution:

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has approved the operational guidelines for the PARIVARTAN Scheme (Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions).
The scheme aims to facilitate the replacement of old and highly polluting trucks and buses operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) with cleaner Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs).
The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on 3 June 2026 with a total financial outlay of ₹9,585 crore.
Out of the total outlay, ₹5,041 crore will be provided as budgetary support by the Central Government.
With the approval of the guidelines, the scheme is now ready for implementation.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will serve as the implementing ministry.
Funding for the scheme will be routed through the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) as part of a coordinated regional strategy to reduce vehicular air pollution across Delhi-NCR.

Incentives under PARIVARTAN Scheme

Motor Vehicle Tax concessions on eligible replacement vehicles.
Waiver of registration fees for new vehicles purchased under the scheme.
5% interest subvention on vehicle loans.
A minimum 8% discount on eligible new vehicles offered by participating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Monthly fuel voucher support for eligible diesel and CNG replacement vehicles.
One-time financial assistance for electric replacement vehicles.
Support for Certificate of Deposit (CoD) trading.

State-Level Support

The Governments of Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi have issued notifications granting:
- Motor Vehicle Tax concession for 10 years.
- Registration fee waiver on vehicles purchased under the scheme.

Industry Participation

11 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), accounting for more than 95% of India’s commercial vehicle market, have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with MoRTH.
These OEMs will provide the mandated discount benefits to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.

Digital Implementation Platform

The scheme will be implemented through an integrated digital platform.
The platform will be linked with:
- VAHAN
- V-Scrap
- DigiELV
- Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
- Participating financial institutions
- Fuel voucher systems
This digital ecosystem will ensure transparent, efficient, and end-to-end delivery of benefits.

Q5. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) successfully conducted its high-level “Videsh Sampark Programme” in July, 2026. Which state government partnered with the MEA to organize this outreach edition?

(a) Government of Gujarat

(b) Government of Haryana

(d) Government of Madhya Pradesh

(e) Government of Uttar Pradesh

Answer: c

Solution:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) organized the Videsh Sampark Programme in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan on 16 July 2026 as part of its outreach initiative with States and Union Territories to strengthen cooperative federalism.
The programme served as a platform for comprehensive discussions on issues related to the Indian diaspora, consular services, migration, mobility, and international cooperation.
Special emphasis was placed on diaspora engagement and welfare initiatives undertaken by both the MEA and the Government of Rajasthan.
Participants explored opportunities to enhance business partnerships, foreign investment, employment prospects, and international engagement for Rajasthan.

About Videsh Sampark Programme

The Videsh Sampark Programme was launched by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2017.
Its objective is to foster closer engagement between the MEA and State Governments on matters related to:
- Indian diaspora affairs
- Consular services
- International cooperation
- Migration and mobility
- Economic diplomacy
Since its launch, the programme has been organized in partnership with the governments of: Telangana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tripura, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh.
The MEA has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the programme to other States and Union Territories in the coming years.

Q6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first-ever commercial pilot hydrogen-powered train in July 2026. Between which two specific stations in Haryana does this train operate?

(a) Ambala to Chandigarh

(b) Gurugram to Faridabad

(d) Hisar to Bhiwani

(e) Jind to Sonipat

Answer: e

Solution:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train on 17 July 2026 between Jind and Sonipat from Jind Railway Station in Haryana.
The project marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards clean, sustainable, and energy-efficient rail transportation.
Developed as a pilot initiative, the hydrogen train combines advanced propulsion technology with dedicated hydrogen storage, refuelling, and operational infrastructure.
The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen-based rail mobility and supports Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation and environmentally responsible transportation.
With this launch, India joins a select group of countries exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation, including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States.
Since hydrogen rail technology is still at a nascent stage globally, the project will provide valuable operational experience for future expansion of hydrogen-powered mobility in the railway sector.
The train operates on the Jind–Sonipat route, covering a distance of approximately 89 kilometres.
It has an operational speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of 110 kmph, making it both efficient and safe.
The hydrogen train project has been developed according to the design approvals and technical specifications prepared by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
The train has been designed and developed entirely in India, reflecting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and showcasing India’s indigenous technological capabilities.

Q7. What is the official central theme designated for the two-day National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct (NCRBC) 2026?

(a) Sustainable Corporate Governance for Atmanirbhar Bharat

(b) ESG-led Transformation for Viksit Bharat

(d) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Amrit Kaal

(e) Green Capital Solutions for Sustainable Enterprises

Answer: b

Solution:

The fourth edition of the National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct (NCRBC) 2026 was inaugurated in New Delhi on 15 July 2026.
The conference was organized as a two-day event focusing on the role of businesses in promoting sustainable and responsible economic growth.
The theme of NCRBC 2026 is “ESG-led Transformation for Viksit Bharat.”
The conference has been organized by the School of Business Environment (SBE) of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) is an autonomous institution functioning under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.

Q8. As part of an extensive wartime cabinet reshuffle in July 2026, the Ukrainian Parliament approved a prominent energy executive as the country’s new Prime Minister. Who has taken over this position?

(a) Denys Shmyhal

(b) Serhii Koretskyi

(d) Mykhailo Fedorov

(e) Vsevolod Chentsov

Answer: b

Solution:

On 16 July 2026, Ukraine’s Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) approved Serhii Koretskyi as the country’s new Prime Minister as part of a major government reshuffle.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nominated Koretskyi for the position, citing his leadership experience in the energy sector and his ability to help Ukraine prepare for another challenging wartime winter.
Prior to his appointment, Serhii Koretskyi served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company, a position he had held since May 2025.
Koretskyi is recognized for his experience in energy management and strategic planning, which are considered crucial as Ukraine continues to face energy security challenges amid the ongoing conflict.

Q9. The Uttar Pradesh government recently rolled out the Kaushal Sarathi Portal during the state-level celebrations of World Youth Skills Day 2026. Which of the following best describes the primary objective and a key built-in technical feature of this specific portal?

(a) Digitizing the backend empanelment and paperless approval workflow for institutional training partners

(b) Providing students and job seekers with an interactive built-in digital map to locate nearby training centers and choose suitable skill programs

(d) Automating the direct biometric attendance verification of vocational college teachers across the state

(e) Facilitating direct international flight bookings and visa processing for students moving abroad

Answer: b

Solution:

The Uttar Pradesh Government launched two digital platforms, Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi, on World Youth Skill Day 2026 (16 July) to strengthen the state’s skill development ecosystem.
The platforms were inaugurated by Kapil Dev Agarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The initiative aims to improve transparency, accessibility, efficiency, and digital governance in skill development and vocational training across Uttar Pradesh.

Kaushal Setu Portal

Kaushal Setu has been developed to digitize the registration and empanelment of training partners under the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM).
The portal provides online registration, paperless documentation, and a transparent approval mechanism.
It reduces administrative delays and eliminates the need for repeated visits to government offices by training institutions and partners.

Kaushal Sarathi Portal

Kaushal Sarathi is designed for students, trainees, and job seekers.
The portal provides information about training centres, skill development courses, and training partners operating across Uttar Pradesh.
It features an integrated digital mapping system that enables users to locate nearby training centres and select suitable skill development programmes.
The platform aims to make skill training opportunities more accessible and help youth connect with employment-oriented courses.

Q10. The Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) officially remitted its annual dividend payout to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the financial year 2025-26. What was the exact value of this dividend cheque?

(a) Rs 320 crore

(b) Rs 512 crore

(d) Rs 428 crore

(e) Rs 42.8 crore

Answer: d

Solution:

Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) presented a dividend cheque of ₹428 crore to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The dividend was paid based on the Bank’s strong financial performance during the financial year 2025–26.
EXIM Bank reported a net profit of ₹4,273 crore for FY 2025–26.
In accordance with government policy, 10% of the net profit was transferred to the Government of India as dividend.
The Bank recorded an impressive 32% growth in net profit compared to the previous financial year.